The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has urged the country's Competition Bureau to modify the anti-greenwashing legislation passed earlier this year and reiterated its call for the recent amendments to be completely removed. 

The association, which calls itself a “non-partisan, research-based industry association” representing Canada's oil and gas companies, formally submitted its developing guidance on the law to the bureau. 

Lisa Baiton, CAPP president and CEO, said: “We are extremely disappointed with the Competition Act’s amendments… in Bill C-59 disguised as measures against ‘greenwashing'.”  

She added that these “amendments effectively silence discussion around climate and environmental policy for political gains while promoting the voices of those most opposed to Canada’s oil and natural gas sector”. 

The recent act alterations require companies to provide evidence for their environmental claims. However, the fossil fuel industry argues that the amendments pose a serious threat of penalties while failing to provide clear guidelines on compliance. 

In June, the Pathways Alliance, representing Canada's largest oil sands producers, and several oil and gas companies, took down online content related to environmental goals, citing "significant uncertainty" over Canada’s new anti-greenwashing legislation. 

“The federal government’s approach to these amendments has introduced a new level of complexity and risk for those looking to invest in Canada,” Baiton added.  

According to the association, the new legislation is deeply flawed and should be revoked.  

Pathways Alliance intends to participate in the consultations and is preparing a submission, which should appear before the end of September, according to media reports.